Expert: GG Flower - 5/27/2009

Question
QUESTION: We are invited to a wedding and the invitation said "summer formal.  What should my husband and I wear for that ocassion?

ANSWER: Hi Natalie,
When I hear wedding I hear formal or semi-formal.

Typically if the wedding is during the day (before 5pm) one could wear a long flowery gown ( as long as it does'nt remind one of Barbados) or a below the knee chiffon number.

By all means, stay away from dresses that although dressy, still say "cocktail party" which would include tight mini-skirts with ample cleavage showing. Think of an afternoon wedding as 'tea with the queen'.

A night time formal wedding is , well more formal. Long dresses are essential, whether strapless or with spaghetti straps, they need to exude elegance and grace.

THE LOOK
I've create a set of looks for you which you can see at my blog:
http://www.my-prom-makeover.blogspot.com

I hope it gives you some inspiration!

As for the hubby, if the wedding is indoors and air-conditioned, he should wear a grey or navy suit, does not have to be a three piece, but it must be well-made and a perfect fit. The shirt should be the classic white dress shirt. The tie could pick up some of the color of your dress, for that touch of celebration. Include a colorful hanky.

If it is held outdoors and it is going to be somewhat hot, have him wear a high quality silk 't'shirt, the dressy kind that can be worn with suits.

Let me know what you think!
GG Flower

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer, but i feel a little lost.  The wedding is going to be at 7 pm and as I said, the invitation said "summer formal".  Do I have to wear long dress? or a simple cocktail dress? (not a short dress)

Answer
Hi Natalie,
Certainly, the rules these days are not as strict as they once were. But what I hear when I hear evening wedding , summer formal, I would tend to want to wear a dress that was either long or below the knee.

Have you seen the Summer Formal Look I created for you? any of those dresses would be perfect!

just go to
http://www.my-prom-makeover.blogspot.com
for a peek!
GG Flower